Societas 2023

2023 SOCIETAS The Good

with Anglicare

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ANNA HOOLE

When I was in youth group more than ten years ago, we would spend one term each year looking at some of the biggest apologetics questions our friends (and we ourselves) were asking: How can science and God be compatible? Is Jesus a historic figure? Can we trust the history of the Bible? In many of our questions, we wanted to know one thing: can this faith be true? But these are no longer the biggest questions of our world. Today’s next generation cares more about whether Christianity is good How can God be good when his idea of sexuality is limited to heterosexual marriage? How can Christianity be good for the world when it shames people for being who they are?

Of course, we still need answers to the former questions. But Australian culture today seems convinced that Christianity does more harm than good, that it tears down rather than builds up. How can we say that Christianity offers the good life? An ancient song has much to say about where the truly good life is found. “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” (Psalm 1:1–2)

We find in the Psalm that blessing— in other words, the good life—is found by delighting in God’s law. It’s not just the first five books of the Bible but every part of God’s word that teaches and instructs us in the way of righteousness.

There is something intrinsically good about a life in accordance with the Bible. It’s good that we get real about our sin, giving thanks for our forgiveness, and seeking to live differently by God’s Spirit. It’s good that God designed marriage in such a particular and beautiful way to reflect the relationship between Christ and his church.

God’s word shows us that the good life is lived in relationship with God, not apart from him. The life God wants for people is meant to bless them, not harm them.

This year’s Societas is about teaching ourselves afresh that God’s plans for the world are good, even when the world disagrees. It is about reminding ourselves that God’s way is good, even in our most painful times of suffering. It is about bolstering our confidence that to live the good life is to live the way of our shepherd Jesus, taking up our cross daily in service of him.

The world won’t think this is the good life. There may be days we ourselves falter in our thinking. But let us come back to the good God who loves us. Let us remind ourselves that God is good, and that in his plans we find the best life.

Since 1856, Moore College has aimed to see God glorified by men and women living for and proclaiming Jesus Christ, growing healthy churches and reaching the lost. Would you prayerfully consider supporting Moore College? You can find more information online at moore.edu.au/donate or you can call the Foundation on 02 9577 9900.

Moore Theological College

1 King Street Newtown NSW 2042 02 9577 9999 moore.edu.au

Societas Team: Annika Joliffe, Anna Hoole (co-editor), Mel Clement, Jonny Hann, Jonathan Adams (co-editor)

Editorial Support: Bronwyn Windsor

Cover Design: Simon Swadling, 4th year student

Interior Design: Lankshear Design

The GoodLife

MARK D. THOMPSON PRINCIPAL

It is common for opponents of the gospel to portray the Christian life as joyless, boring, suppressed, and just plain uninviting. How does that fit with the words of Jesus, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10)?

In context, these words contrast Jesus’ ministry with that of those he calls “thieves and robbers”, those who come “only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:9–10). The religious leaders of his day and those who had come before them “cared nothing for the sheep”. Jesus, on the other hand, was not only the door of the sheep but also the good shepherd, who knows his own and his own know him (10:14), and who lays down his life for the sheep (10:15). All that he does, he does so that they might have life and have it abundantly. Jesus has in view a life that is protected rather than exploited—“no one will snatch them out of my hand” (10:28). What he does for his sheep is deeply relational—“I know my own and my own know me” (10:14). His is an unvanquishable power—“I have authority to lay it down and I have authority to take it up again” (10:18).

Jesus and life are connected right through John’s Gospel. At the very beginning we are told, “In him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4). Life appears again in what must be the best-known saying of Jesus: “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that

whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life” (3:16). Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that the water he gives will become “a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (4:14). Jesus spoke of himself as “the bread of God… he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” (6:33). A little after the passage in John 10, when he stood beside the grieving sisters of Lazarus, Jesus declared, “I am the resurrection and the life” (11:25). Further on still in the Gospel, Jesus would describe himself as “the way, the truth and the life” (14:6). Jesus not only gives life but he is life. The abundant life Jesus was talking about is inseparable from who he is. What does “abundantly” mean in such a context? It certainly doesn’t mean being free from challenge, pain, or even distress. These things befall the followers of Jesus just as they befall every other human being. Nor does it mean a life of prosperity and success, peace and popularity. These may or may not come from the generous hand of God, but they are not the common possession of all Christ’s people. That is not what is promised. It is not simply a quantitative statement—more of the things people treasure and less of

what they dread. Nevertheless, the word itself conveys the idea of plenty and overflowing goodness. Against the backdrop of the Lord himself as shepherd in the Old Testament, who provides lavishly for those who are his (Psalm 23:5), gathering them, nourishing them, healing, strengthening and guarding them (Ezekiel 34:12, 13–14, 16, 22), the abundant life Jesus gives is enviable. It is the result of extravagant grace (John 1:16).

Abundant life, which for the moment we might identify as “the good life”, is tied to the generous character of God. Isaiah’s words, echoed by the apostle Paul, speak of something unimaginably good: “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”. And then he immediately goes on to say, “these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit” (1 Corinthians 2:9–10; Isaiah 64:4). God has prepared the very best for his children, and he has made it known through the Spirit. This resonates with what Paul goes on to say to the Ephesians. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has “blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the

heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3). It would be a mistake to describe the good life without referencing the superlative goodness of God. Where is that extravagant goodness to be seen? Where and how are all these blessings enjoyed? Paul’s answer is simple: “in Christ”. The good life is life lived in Christ. In the person and work of Jesus our Saviour, we learn of God’s wonderful choosing of us before the foundation of the world. In him we are redeemed, no longer enslaved to the lies and deceptions of the evil one, broadcast in the world and echoing in our hearts. In him we have a full, rich and final forgiveness of the sins which haunt us and drag us down, the guilt and shame which either paralyses us or drives our frantic attempts to cover up who we really are. In him we become familiar with God’s astonishing purposes: that just as all things were created by him, through him and for him (Colossians 1:16), so all things are summed up in him, set in proper relation to him (Ephesians 1:10). The good life is life in Jesus’ hands, animated by his gospel commission, confident in his promise.

All this is why the Christian understanding of the good life profoundly differs from that of the world’s great thinkers. The philosopher Aristotle acknowledged that “the great majority of mankind” understands “the good life” to be the same thing as “being happy” (Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, I.iv.2). He later explained how this “happiness” comes about: “it is the active exercise of our faculties in conformity with virtue that causes happiness” (I.x.9). In other words, the good life is something pursued or achieved. Aristotle drilled down until he concluded that it is the pursuit of virtue that brings happiness in various contexts. Yet it is something we pursue, and our pursuit is met with various degrees of success or failure. In stark contrast, the gospel speaks of what we have been given The better story for us to tell others is that you do not have to perform

the good life, achieve it, or even wear yourself out pursuing it. You do not have to fight for it. The really good life is life with God enjoyed in the fellowship of his people, those who have received it just like you. It is a life lived in the knowledge that God is for you, that no sentence of condemnation hangs over you, and that the greatest gifts are yours already because you are held by Jesus. That is the anchor that holds immovably despite the circumstances swirling around you.

Both dimensions of this good life— life with God and the fellowship of his people—are vital. Any attempt to have one without the other will sooner or later unravel. God made us and redeemed us so that we might be part of a people. The great picture of victory, blessing and joy at Jesus’ return is a corporate picture, not an individual one: After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb!” (Rev. 7:9–10) The world routinely overpromises. It holds out the prospect of the good life with abundant joy, personal fulfilment, satisfaction, and happiness. “Be you”, “pursue your dreams”, “defend your rights”, “the good life is yours for the taking”, “you deserve it.” But the world’s promises are not realised, and its pleasures are fleeting. From a distance they seem

tantalising, but up close the selfrealisation the world promotes is empty and sometimes terrifyingly ugly. Yes, we can still see goodness in the world and enjoy it. Human sin has not entirely obliterated the stamp of God’s nature found everywhere in his creation. But the good life lies elsewhere—in Jesus. This brings a grand scale to our prayers. Paul told the Ephesians that the love of Christ surpasses knowledge and he prayed that they might be “filled with all the fullness of God” (3:19). When he immediately goes on to give glory to God, he describes God as the one “who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (3:20). What does a life lived in the face of those realities look like? Blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places by a God who has no limit to his resources and loves to give good gifts to his children, how then do we live? According to Paul, by walking “in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness and patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (4:1–3). Earlier in that same letter, he had written, “We are [God’s] workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (2:10). The good life we have received has consequences in our relationships and in our daily walk.

Your life might be full of spectacular successes or grinding struggles. But in either case, what makes an ordinary life “the good life” is Jesus, who was given for us. We were made for him and so it is no surprise at all that we thrive most, having the faith to persevere in the face of our circumstances—in Jesus’ own words enjoying “life abundantly”—when we are “in him”. The good life is not something we make, deserve, achieve or even pursue. It is something given. That’s the brilliant news of the gospel.

It is a life lived in the knowledge that God is for you, that no sentence of condemnation hangs over you, and that the greatest gifts are yours already because you are held by Jesus.

Have you got a heart for people across Australia to hear about Jesus?

Around 1 in 4 Australians live in the bush

Our Field Staff spread the gospel across rural, remote & regional Australia

BCA is looking for men and women to go the distance to share Jesus with the bush – is that you?

bushchurchaid.com.au

Heart for Asia. Hope for Billions.

MISSION —get invoved!

East Asia is home to many of the world’s largest unreached people groups. From China’s most densely populated cities to the highland villages of Vietnam, hightech Japan to the traditional wet markets of Myanmar, there are billions in Asia still waiting to hear about the good news of Jesus Christ.

We are looking for people to pioneer in new areas, persevere with us in the tough places, and partner with us to see culturally sensitive, biblical church movements in each people group of East Asia. Build relationships, share the gospel, and model a life of following Christ as Lord and Saviour in East Asia.

Jason Kuan first year studentprofile

Saturday night, the 19th of May, 2018. I was sitting in the architecture studio at the University of Newcastle, working away at an assignment due soon. I stopped and pondered  on the gospel message, asking myself what I really thought about this man Jesus.

Two dominating thoughts at that time hit me; the first was that most of the Christians I knew had this undying passion for a Jewish man who lived a long time ago and died on a cross. The second thought was how his death united them in a way that was genuine and foundational to their lives. Not only that, but it was the words in the Bible that compelled them to live out these convictions in love.

I wrote those thoughts down as God led me to realise how much of a rebel I am before Him. In that moment, I finally accepted Jesus as my Saviour. I was quite confused and weirdly excited at the same time. But I couldn’t be more thankful to God for that very evening. Looking back, God graciously removed the blindness from my eyes and softened my heart to believe Him in truth and light.

With this strange warm feeling in my gut, I left the studio, started the commute home, and asked myself: What just happened? What would this mean for me and my family? What am I giving up and taking on with this change of heart?

As I continue to lean into God and His Word, I’ve slowly gained more clarity on those questions (and many more). That Saturday evening a journey started of turning away from the world and striving towards what God loves.

I renounced my beliefs in Buddhism and held onto the teachings of the Bible as the ultimate authority. Telling my parents that I’m now a follower of Jesus—that I want to use my whole life to serve was one of my deepest discomforts. I’ve traded a prospective career in architecture to be trained for a lifetime of serving Jesus. Through every big and little step of the way, I am so thankful to the God of the universe for all He says He is, gracious and kind, and so much more.

I’m eternally thankful to God for the Christians who opened the Bible with me before I trusted Jesus. I’m grateful to God that He continues to speak through His Word to remind me that I’m a sinner saved by grace and the life I live I no longer live for myself but for him who, for our sake, died and was raised again..

I’m fully sold to be the weak, fallible sheep under the guidance and protection of my good Shepherd. I’m all for patiently waiting in this life to meet Jesus in His return or when my eyelids close in death. That’s a pretty good life.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (Jesus in John 10:11)

First Year

I’m thankful for the opportunity to study at College over the next four years, and this year have started at St Paul’s Terrey Hills for church. Please pray that I will be faithful as I study and serve, balancing both well.

Married to Clare (Solicitor), commuting from Wollongong as we serve at Port KemblaWarrawong Anglican Church this year. Please pray that ill­health and fatigue do not hinder my study and that I can continue to grow as a Christian and evangelise effectively as I study.

Moved from Bathurst with my family (2 kids) after doing my MTS apprenticeship. We are thinking of heading back out west once we are finished. Pray that we can create good habits to balance College, church and family life well would be appreciated muchly.

Excited for the opportunity to study God’s word with many others this year! Back at my home church, Engadine Anglican, after a couple of years in Canberra doing MTS, and looking forward to reconnecting with people there. I’d love prayer for faithfulness in study and growth in Jesus this year.

My husband Fergus and I learn and serve alongside the saints at FOCUS Church UNSW. We are praying about the possibility of serving the Lord overseas in the future. Please pray that God would continue to equip us to serve Him well as we wait for Jesus to return.

I’m studying at Moore to prepare to be a missionary in the future. I want people who have no access to the gospel to hear the good news of Jesus. Pray that my time at Moore would be helpful in preparing for the mission field.

LEWIS CARR

Recent­ish Christian from Soul Revival Church in Kirrawee. Would love prayer for God’s sustaining strength to get me through a new study/ work­load that is new to me.

TOM CATCHPOOLE

Grew up in Sydney and keen to serve the Lord here in ministry, but also considering going abroad to serve on mission in Latin America or East Asia. Please pray that God would grow me as a disciple of Christ while I’m at College!

JACINTA CHAPMAN

I’m excited to be at College and at church at St Matts in Botany. I worked as a primary school teacher in Newcastle before doing MTS. Please pray I would grow in dependance on God, learn lots and serve Jesus and his people faithfully.

ALEXANDER CHEN

I’m married to Sheina who’s doing a ministry apprenticeship this year. We’re serving at St Peter’s Anglican (in St Peter’s). We’re keen to be trained up and think about mission overseas! Pray for juggling different timetables, moving to a new church, and training for a lifetime of serving Jesus.

Classical music enthusiast, Korean drama fan, Excel lover, follower of Jesus. As I serve with South West Evangelical Church in my hometown, Bankstown, please pray that God will continue to grow my heart for cross cultural ministry, and help me establish a solid foundation for a lifetime of ministry.

I’m originally from Wollongong and enjoy beach swimming, exercise, nature, cross cultural friendships and informal evangelism. I used to love teaching in a primary school before doing MTS at UOW. I’m studying a one year diploma and may move somewhere rural after (Godwilling). Pray I can seek God’s glory daily.

I am serving at Engadine Anglican Church and am thankful for the opportunity to study and be equipped with fellow brothers and sisters. Please pray that God will grow my skills to study but also deepen my understanding of His word and grow in love for Jesus and His people.

I am thankful for time this year to study. Please pray for me to know and experience God’s goodness, and for it to overflow to others. Please pray as I continue to worship at The Bridge Church, Kirribilli and seek to discern “what next”.

Rose and I are thankful for the opportunity to study together this year and grow in knowledge of God. We’re enjoying getting to know the saints at Oakhurst Anglican Church. Please pray that growth in knowledge would flow out in worship and service of our King.

MING CHIN

RACHEL CHIN

SOPHIA CHOI

MEGAN COALL

ISAAC CONDIE

DAVID ADAMS

JAKE ASHLEY

RYAN BARCHAM

SAMANTHA BEGG

EMMA BELL

ANGELO BERCASIO

I’m married to Isaac, and we serve at Oakhurst Anglican Church. I am looking forward to all the ways God will grow us this year. Please pray that God will shape us to be more like Christ and bring him glory.

I’m Hamish and my wife is Lauren. We love the Lord, sport, family and friends. Trying to discern how we can best serve the Lord as exiles on Earth, waiting for Jesus to return. Please pray that we can settle in to our new church and serve well there.

I’m married to Leonie, we’ve both done some part­time study at Moore and I’m now studying full time this year. We’re at Rosemeadow & Appin Anglican churches, and we would greatly appreciate prayer for God to lead us throughout this year to what He has planned for our future.

I’m married to Samantha, who loves flowers and being creative! I enjoy listening to and playing music, reading, being outdoors and enjoying God. I currently serve at Wentworthvile Anglican. Pray for us moving from Central Coast and to feel settled, especially for Sam as she works full­time.

I’ve come to College from St Luke’s Miranda and from training with BBFC. I’m very thankful for the opportunity to study God’s word and be a part of the community here at Moore! Please pray that I would walk closely with God and depend on Him in all things.

I am married to Liv. I grew up going to Engadine Anglican and trained at BBFC. I’m looking forward to diving deep into God’s word and serving at St John’s Sutherland. Please pray for us as we adjust to new routines and serve God in the opportunities He’s given us.

PHOEBE GUERRA

I’m Phoebe, a campus missionary from the Philippines. Being an international student— away from home, new relationships, raising support—the change can be over­whelming. Pray that I not only grow in knowledge, but humility and compassion to serve others and dependence on Christ.

JESS GUNAWAN

I’m super thankful and keen for the opportunity to be at College and serve as a student minister at St Martin’s Anglican Church, Georges Hall. Pray that I’ll grow in love and knowledge of God, being continually transformed by His word and equipped to serve Jesus for a lifetime.

JESSICA HALIM

I’m originally from Indonesia, came to Sydney to study at uni and became a Christian then. I’m studying the 1 year Diploma and attending South West Evangelical Church in Kingsgrove. Please pray that God will transform my life and help me to manage my energy levels well.

JONNY HANN

Living in Wollongong, serving as a student minister at Bulli Anglican, keen to be trained for ministry. Pray for wisdom in using my time for serving others, and that I’d get an HD in being a husband to my beautiful wife Jo.

I am married with 3 wonderful children. I have been teaching for the past 11 years, mostly in Learning Support. We have moved from Maitland and have found this a big challenge. We are attending All Saints, Woollahra. We would love prayer for diligence and perseverance.

I grew up in Western Sydney and am engaged to the lovely Katherine! We’re excited to serve at St Stephen’s Willoughby these next two years. With many changes happening, please pray that God would help us to trust in Him as the unchanging God who is faithful to His people!

I am married to the lovely Megan, and we live in Wollongong and serve God’s people at St Michael’s Anglican Church. Please pray that I would love my wife well and that we would trust our unchanging God as we make plans for the future.

Hayley and I have left St Paul’s Carlingford after 15 years to further prepare for a life of ministry. Hayley is teaching high school English whilst I study. We’re unsure where we’ll end up, but we trust God as we live for Him. Please pray that He will use us.

I enjoy casual outdoor running/swimming and serve at Grace City Church. I’m passionate about evangelism and mission. I’m exploring ministry opportunities in Malaysia or elsewhere to best spend my life living for Jesus. Please pray for a lifetime of growing in my love for Jesus!

ROSE CONDIE

HAMISH COY

JAMES CROSSLEY

JOEL FLETCHER

CHRISTOPHER HEMBRY

VICTOR JONG

JOSHUA KEATLEY

CALEB KNIGHT

JASON KUAN

BEN GIBSON

TIMOTHY GRIFFITHS

DOMINIC

I’m married to Gillian, and we moved from Singapore to be equipped for ministry. Please pray that we will grow in our love for God, our delight of him, and our godliness, as we listen carefully to his Word. We are serving at St Thomas’ Anglican North Sydney.

GILLIAN KUEK

I’m married to Dom and we’re from Singapore! We’re serving at St Thomas’ Anglican North Sydney and are excited to spend the next few years being equipped for ministry. Please pray that we would abound in our godliness and love for Jesus, and grow to teach His Word better.

DAVID

I’m from Malaysia. Moved here with my wife, Emerlyn, our 2­year­old Abigail and our newborn, Isaiah. We plan to return to our Malaysian church and God­willing, plant another congregation in KL. Pray for us to raise enough funds for College and be well equipped in our 4 years here.

STEPHANIE LARKIN

I grew up in regional NSW where in loving, faithful community I came to know and love Jesus. I love kids, ministry and learning languages, and am excited to see how God grows and equips me in my time at College. Please pray for faithfulness to Him and His word.

EDMUND LAU

I grew up in Hong Kong and moved to Sydney when I was young. Became a Christian here and am hoping to take the gospel wherever God sends me. I’m currently serving at Auburn Anglican Church. Pray that God will transform my heart and life during my College years.

I am super excited to study God’s word full­time at College and to serve at the international student church at UNSW (FOCUS). Please pray that I’ll keep growing in my love for God and be equipped to serve Him whatever the context!

JOSHUA

I am thankful for the opportunity to learn deeply from God’s word and be equipped to teach it faithfully. I am serving at Yagoona Anglican and hope God­willing to serve overseas. Please pray that I would keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and grow to be more like him!

DAN

I grew up in Hong Kong and the UK, and I’m hoping to go back to HK to serve the church there. Currently serving at St Thomas’ North Sydney. Please pray that I would be well equipped at Moore College, and for more labourers in the harvest in HK!

This is my first year at Moore and with it much of my life is changing. I am excited to be churching in Minchinbury, moving to Newtown and studying. I want to grow in confidence to handle God’s word, so I can share his love with kids of all ages.

COURTNEY

I got married last March to Luke and we’re at Christ Church St Ives this year. We’re excited to see how God uses us to serve his kingdom. Please pray for us as we trust God to lead us where He wants us.

Chloe and I (with our two kids) are excited to be grown in our convictions, character and competency through our time at College and Fairy Meadow Anglican. Please pray that we will grow in loving Jesus first and loving the lost selflessly.

I am married to Imojean and we have two young children. We are serving at Toongabbie Anglican and are excited to be equipped at College to serve God’s people. Please pray for wisdom and energy to juggle family, study and ministry as we seek to serve Him.

Brendan and I are very excited by the great privilege we have to study theology for the sake of Him and others. Please pray that God will use the time we have at College for His glory, and that we may be thoroughly equipped to serve others well.

Gloria and I are excited and thankful to be studying God’s word together. Please pray that God will use our time at College for His glory, and that we may be thoroughly equipped to serve others well. Pray we keep discipling and sharing the gospel with those around us now.

I’m married to Brielle and have a 3­month­old Luke. We left home church in Liverpool and started student ministry at Sylvania Anglican in 2023. Please pray that we would keep our eyes on Jesus throughout the changes and busyness!

VANESSA LIM

LU

MAK

TASH MCCONNELL

MORRIS

NATHANAEL MUSCAT

CARL NEAL

GLORIA NELSON

BRENDAN NELSON

NICK PEARSON

KUEK

KUOK

MATTHEW RADLOFF

I’m married to Winona and am keen to dig deep into God’s word during my time at College alongside brothers and sisters in Christ. Please pray that these years will form Winona and me to love God and serve His people wherever He decides to place us.

Having been in the UK for the past 8 years as a lawyer, ministry trainee and associate minister, I, together with my wife Tori and two children, Reuben and Scarlett, am really excited to be coming to Moore this year. Please pray for visible, long lasting fruit from our ministry.

Super thankful for the opportunity to be at Moore and be a part of the community of saints here! I’ve made the move from Brisbane and am currently part of the Coogee Anglican family. Please pray that I would be pursuing godliness as I study, live and learn alongside others.

I am so excited to be moving from the Central Coast and starting at Moore this year. My husband, Ben, and I would love you to be praying for us this year as I commence my studies and that my student ministry at St Barnabas, Roseville East will be fruitful!

I’m Jeremy Robinson, a former epidemiologist and apprentice with the Geelong Christian Union in Victoria. I’m hoping to continue in student ministry once I graduate, whether in Australia or overseas. Pray I would settle into Sydney well and continue to grow in my skills in ministry.

I’m married to Ash, and we have a 1­year­old son, Jeremy. The gospel is the best news in the world, so we’re excited to be trained to teach it faithfully. Please pray that we will grow, not just in knowledge, but more importantly, in character and a love for Jesus.

CHICHI

Chisomo (my name) is a given name of the Chewa tribe, meaning ‘grace of God’. Praise God for his grace towards me in Jesus Christ! I’m excited to be here at Moore and worshipping God with the saints at St Matthias this year! Pray all things Ephesians 1:15­23 for me!

I live in the Sutherland Shire with my wife Ally, who is a high school visual arts teacher. We are excited to continue serving at Menai Anglican and BBFC. Please pray that we will lean into God’s word deeper in these years and trust Him with the future.

I love asking questions and having conversations. Pray that this would help me as I begin theological studies and that my dependence would be on Christ alone. I’m excited to be serving at Wahroonga Anglican and partnering with them to bring the gospel to kids and youth.

I’m a member of St Martin’s Killara/St Peter’s East Lindfield, which is the church I’ve been blessed to attend for most of my life! Please pray that I would grow in my love for the Lord and His church, and be faithful where He has placed me.

Former AFES apprentice at Melbourne University, I currently serve at Drummoyne Presbyterian church. Pray that God will use my time at Moore to shape the way I feed His sheep well as I learn to fear the Lord and delight in His word (Ps.19) both in good and challenging seasons in life.

I’m married to Chloe, I live in the inner­west and am very excited to see what the next four years hold. Please pray that I come to know and love Jesus more every day.

I’m married to my lovely wife Kaysia and we are attending St Luke’s in Liverpool. Please pray that we might both grow in our love for our Lord and his Church. Please also pray for my adjustment to full­time study while maintaining my role as a husband and student minister.

I grew up in Armidale, studied and worked as a teacher in Newcastle before doing MTS with Hunter Bible Church. I’ve come to Moore College to be further equipped for gospel ministry and will be serving in the Youth and Kids, area at St Anne’s Ryde. Pray for me!

Ben and I grew up in the Sutherland Shire and did traineeships alongside each other over the past two years. We are excited to have the opportunity to study here at College and would love prayer that we humbly serve wherever God puts us (both now and in the future!).

PAUL RAJKUMAR

ROSIE RICE

ERIN ROBERTS

JEREMY ROBINSON

JOANN TEO

BENJAMIN THIELEMANS

LIAM THOMPSON

FIONA THOMSON

ABBY VANMIDDE

MICAH SHEATH

SOBOYA

TOM STANTON

JENNY TAIT

JASMIN TAYLOR

BEN VANMIDDE

Abby and I currently serve at St Mark’s Pennant Hills. We are eager to continue being equipped to be servants of Jesus who know, love and share Him faithfully wherever God places us in His world. Please pray for our hearts to treasure Jesus and His Kingdom above all else.

ROSIE WICKS

I’m married to Sam and we are at Christ Church St Ives. I love teaching kids about Jesus and am excited to learn more about the Bible so that I can keep doing that. Pray that I will be growing in my knowledge of the Bible and love for God.

PERCIVAL WIID

We moved down from Brisbane and welcomed our first child, Christoffel in May. We’re excited for the years ahead to grow in our love for God, share His gospel with everyone around us and prepare for a lifetime proclaiming it. Please pray that God would bring these about!

DAVID WRIGHT

I’m a country boy, from central west NSW who has been stuck in the city for too long, I am excited to have the oppurtunity to continue learning about my great God at College, please pray that this would grow me in my love for him and his people.

God’s Goodness and mentalhealth

FIRST YEAR JESSICA HALIM

Mental health is a buzzword these days. 1 in 5 Australians experience mental illness at some point in their lives. According to the latest census, if you share a class with 12 people, one person will have long-term mental health issues.1

I am one of them. I was diagnosed with clinical depression in 2009. In 2011, I had panic anxiety and bipolar disorder (manic) symptoms. I was finally diagnosed with Bipolar 1 in 2014.

Since Christian gospel workers are not immune to mental health problems, I thought I’d share my story to

1 www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/2021-census-dataover-8-million-australians-have-long-term-health-condition

help open conversation and reflect on God’s goodness despite the challenges.

What does having bipolar look like? “Bi” means two, so bipolar means two polarities. So like a roller coaster, I can feel high and excited some days, but afterwards I crash, feel depressed, and have no energy.

My bipolar affects my mood and energy levels. On a good day I feel normal, sleep well and can concentrate on my work and daily tasks. On a bad day however, I can’t sleep and instead feel energised when I should feel tired. Then the crash happens where I feel no energy at all—unable to work or even complete simple tasks like vacuuming without getting headaches or fatigue.

It has been quite challenging riding the up and down roller coaster of bipolar. Despite trying my best to manage it, I don’t know when a relapse will come. There was a time when I didn’t have a relapse for 3 years and a time when I had 3 bipolar flare-ups within 5 weeks. There is no set formula to prevent it, as it’s mostly trial and error to see what works for me and what doesn’t.

Starting College was quite challenging for me. Adjusting to the big changes in life, the excitement of meeting new people, and other personal factors overwhelmed me. Add sickness and lack of sleep into it, and the result was 3 bipolar flare-ups within 5 weeks of college starting. For several weeks I only had enough energy to attend 3 hours of lectures, then I was exhausted and had a headache so I needed to go home to rest. This made me frustrated with my own limitations and weaknesses. I wanted to socialise and get to know people at College but I couldn’t because I didn’t have the energy.

Then there was the College mission. Looking at the packed timetable, I was very worried I would have a bipolar flare-up. And I did. The exhaustion and lack of sleep made me feel high and excited on the fourth day of mission, then the next day I crashed. Thankfully my chaplain understood and gave me time off in the afternoon to rest instead of going doorknocking.

Sometimes I asked, “Why me? Where is God’s goodness in the midst of all this?” When I reflect on having mental illnesses in the last 14 years, there are three areas where I can see God’s goodness.

1. It deepens my faith and trust in God

The biggest lesson I learned is that God is God, and I am not. He is in control of my body, and I am not. When I cried out to God and received no answer, I can only trust that God’s got this in his hands. When I read the Bible, his promises come alive. For example, one of my favourite Bible verses is Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” It is very comforting knowing that God is still with His people like he was in Isaiah’s day. He is right there with me, holding my hand and giving me strength as I ride through the roller coaster of bipolar.

2. I’m able to empathise and help those struggling with the same thing

When I first had my bipolar diagnosis in 2011 and questioned why God gave me this mental illness, I still remember what my good friend said. He said, “I don’t know why God gave you this, but one thing I know is so

that you can be an angel of comfort to those struggling with the same thing.” And he was right. I gave my testimony in front of my church/church camps/Mid-Year Conference. Afterward, some people approached me and thanked me for sharing my story because they faced similar struggles. I was able to empathise and help them because I know what it feels like to have a mental illness. And that gives me a purpose to my suffering: to help others and point them to God.

3. Future hope

Going through suffering now makes me long for the future hope of heaven. Knowing that there won’t be any more pain, tears, and suffering in heaven (Rev.21:1-4) gives me strength to persevere in the present suffering. When I’m frustrated with my weak body, I take comfort in the promise that my resurrected body will be imperishable and raised in glory and power (1 Cor.15:42-44). Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Looking back, I’m thankful for the whole experience. Yes it’s tough having a mental illness, but through it I’ve matured in my character, known myself more, and deepened my faith. I can understand, empathise and help others struggling with mental health issues. I hope that opening myself up can help you start future conversations on a topic that is becoming better known, but not easily talked about.

For more description of what having a mental illness looks like, see my article published by Third Space—a ministry of City Bible Forum: https://thirdspace.org.au/ city/blog/5-things-i-wish-people-knew-about-mentalhealth

I was able to empathise and help them because I know what it feels like to have a mental illness. And that gives me a purpose to my suffering: to help others and point them to God.

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Hamish and second year PriscillaSullivan profile

Tell us about your journey to College. How did you come to study at Moore?

Hamish: Since high school, I was keen on overseas ministry, so going to College was always in the background. I did a Christian leadership gap year after high school, and then studied as a nurse, where Priscilla and I met.

After a tap on the shoulder at a Sydney University Evangelical Union annual conference, I began thinking about a ministry apprenticeship. I initially worked as a nurse after uni but began ministry training in 2020 at Chester Hill Anglican, and after that we decided to come to Moore College to be better trained for gospel ministry.

Priscilla: I initially wanted to do theological study a few years ago but was encouraged by Moore College alumni to, if possible, wait until I could study alongside my husband Hamish. I started work as a nurse, supported Hamish during his MTS apprenticeship, fell pregnant and gave birth to our son before starting one unit of study at Moore in 2022.

How did your family adjust to the change of coming to College?

Priscilla: Our son was a newborn, so he adjusted fairly well, but it was harder for Hamish and me. Postnatal depression and anxiety made things tough, but God continued to take care of us in an abundant way, and we’re now swimming (maybe paddling) rather than sinking.

Hamish: I don’t think we knew how much of a change it would be—first year of study, a newborn son, Priscilla’s mental health, new home—and we felt we were just surviving. But God grew us in our dependence on him and helped us appreciate how he uses weak vessels for his glory.

Has life at College been “The Good Life”?

Priscilla: Free bread (from the Moore College weekly ‘Bread Run’) is pretty good! I also wasn’t ready to return to work, and I knew that if I did return it would affect Hamish’s Centrelink payments. We’re grateful for these payments which allow me to devote my time to supporting my husband, caring for our son, and running the house.

Hamish: It’s been so good to learn in community with brothers and sisters in Christ who likewise are devoted to serving the Lord. We’ve especially enjoyed time with our cohort as well as living in College housing at But Ha Gra (Croydon Park). It isn’t flashy, it’s messy at times, but the love of Christ is at the centre of it.

What has God made clear to you over the past year?

Priscilla: He is a loving, ever-present God who knows and takes care of our needs.

Hamish: He is sovereign over everything, especially when we are not. His love is greater, higher, wider and deeper than we can ever think or imagine!

What are you looking forward to for the rest of your time at College?

Priscilla: I’m looking forward to continuing to deepen relationships with College families and to be ever open and willing to how God wants to use us for his glory during College and beyond.

Hamish: I’m looking forward to seeing how God will grow us and use us for his kingdom, and as he opens our eyes to where he wants us to serve after College. I’m also excited to see our son Arthur grow in his understanding and love for God.

Second Year

Caitlin and I welcomed our son, Josiah in December. We will continue to serve at Jannali Anglican church for the rest of this year. We both enjoyed doing biblical languages and are considering whether Bible translation could be an option for us in the mission field.

I’m 28. From the central Coast. Wife Taylor and two kids. Finished my MTS apprenticeship at EV church in 2022. Going into full­time College for the first time 2023 joining the 2nd year stream.

Annalise and I are thankful for all the wonderful people we met in first year but also found it hard being away from family in NZ. Please pray that I would be a loving husband and father, and for God to grow me in godly character. Thank you!

I’m one of three student ministers at St Stephen’s Willoughby. I’m keen to keep serving the Youth there as well as more preaching opportunities. Please pray that God would continue to fashion me into the likeness of Christ each day.

Pray that as our family grows from 3 to 4, I would sacrificially love and serve them daily, especially when College gets challenging and busy.

RACHEL CHAN

I’m excited to be starting College this year to grow in my faith and knowledge of God’s word! My husband Kang and I are part of St John’s Asquith. Please pray for good friendships and energy to study as I start in second year!

JAMES CHEN

Vivian, Henry, and I are members of NewtownErskineville Anglican Church. Thank God for his provision of all our needs and for the opportunity to study. Pray that we would grow in godliness and be a blessing to all those around us.

LEON CHEN

Loz and I, along with our little baby Rae are currently serving at The Bridge Church Neutral Bay. We love Effies Cafe, long walks and the NBA (mostly me). Wherever God calls is where we will be, but we’re passionate about church planting and seeing the north of Sydney saved.

DAMIEN CLARK

Married to Emma and father of Abby (1). We’re at Village Church Annandale. We would love prayer for balancing College, family and church, especially as Abby becomes more active and curious.

Everything is new for Leanne and me this year. Newtown. New church community at Summer Hill. Caitlin’s back home at UoW, Mitch is at Youthworks Year 13, Toby’s at a new school and Ezekiel’s at a new pre­school. Please pray for continued unity in Christ for our family—thanks.

LAUREN DEWHURST

I love that the gospel is good news for me and for the world. I am thankful to serve alongside others and share this news with people wherever I go!

JETHRO DICKENS

Philosophy, Church History and Doctrine— all subjects Jethro wishes he could’ve been good at. Instead he’s had to make do with a passion for College cricket and lunch. Serving at MBM Parramatta with Alice and their two kids, please pray for a growing love for Jesus and people!

CORNELIUS DO

I’m married to Minna and we’re at St Barnabas’ in Roseville. Please pray that we’d establish good relationships and serve joyfully. We’re going through a lot of changes, so please pray that we’d go through and come out strong.

JESSICA

I’m thankful for how God has been growing me in my love for Him and my trust in Him. Please pray that God will continue to shape me and use me for His kingdom, particularly as I serve alongside my church family St James, Whalan.

I’m Josiah, currently residing at Chappo and serving at St Barnabas’ Roseville East. Having survived first year I’m keen to see what second year has in store. Please pray for my growth in godliness and discipline, especially in my personal devotional life.

DUNN

JOSIAH ELSLEY

MATTHEW BAKON

NICHOLAS BODLE

JACKSON BURT

SAMUEL CARLESS

TIMOTHY CHAN

TIMOTHY CORNFORD

JORDAN

My family (wife Lauren and son Percy) have just moved down to study this year and are at church at Earlwood Anglican. We would love prayers to settle well, learn lots, to make relationships, and to be a help wherever we can in College and church life.

MADDIE

I’m super keen to keep loving and serving Jesus this year at College and at Church at the Peak. Please pray that I would grow in humility and diligence, and honour our great king in all I do.

NOAH

This year I have the joy of continuing to serve as a student minister at St Luke’s Liverpool. I’m thankful to God for the relationships that I’ve built over the last year and I’m looking forward to seeing what God has in store for 2023.

OSCAR

I’m serving with the saints at Sylvania Anglican this year and am keen to keep growing in humility this year. God has been so kind and I’d love prayer for continual reliance on him as I progress through College.

HAYDEN

I am keen for second year this year! Please pray that my joy in Jesus would remain central to everything, and then my love for my wife, our family, fellow students, and our Church would flow from that. Pray that the eyes of my heart would be open.

KATHRYN

It is such a privilege to study together again this year after moving from QLD in early 2022! We are student ministers at St Mary’s Anglican in Western Sydney. Please pray that our hearts might be enlightened to deeply know God’s goodness as we study and serve again this year.

BRIAN HAMILTON

Pray that I’ll learn new skills and ideas as I move to a church­based student ministry position this year, having worked with AFES for my student ministry placement in 1st year. Please pray for my wife Kristen as she completes her GP training and works in multiple medical roles.

SHIFENG MARK HUANG

Along with Helen and Elliot, I have come over from New Zealand to be equipped for a lifetime of gospel ministry. There is such a need for more Bible­teaching and training churches in NZ. We’re keen to do all we can to grow more disciples of Jesus in New Zealand!

After studying first year part­time across the two years of MTS, I am excited to be studying full­time, living at chappo and doing student ministry at St Thomas’ Anglican Church North Sydney with a focus on Children’s ministry.

My wife Gemma and I serve at Hope Anglican Church in the South West of Sydney. Please pray for us that we will grow to love God more this year and that God would continue to work his will in the lives of the people of Hope Church.

I have the joy of continuing to serve at St Martin’s Georges Hall this year. Please pray that I would delight in studying God’s word, grow in godliness and continue to adjust to living in Sydney.

Pray for me that I will focus this year!

FRANCIS

GILLHAM

GILLHAM

GLASS

GREATHEAD

GREATHEAD

ANNIKA JOLLIFFE

NIKHIL KURIEN

LUCY LANGFIELD

JOHN LE

Olivia and I married in England in July 2021 and moved to Sydney to begin study in February 2022. I have a passion for school chaplaincy; please pray for us as we begin to explore ministry options post College.

Our year began joyfully as we started serving at our new church—Christ Church Mortdale. Pray that God would grow us through our time there and that we would serve Him and His people faithfully. Praise God for the College community and the friendships we’ve made in our cohort.

This year I have started church at St George North Anglican in Carlton. Please pray for good relationships with members of the services I’m a part of and for my responsibility of co­leading a gospel team.

I am super excited for 2nd year College; I am keen to be deepening my knowledge of God and growing in character. College is such a privilege and I am grateful for College family. Pray for deeper love for God as I get to know him better.

As an international student and with English as my second language, please pray for my English skills to improve so that I comprehend thoroughly all subjects in second year at College.

I’m married to Grace with 1­year­old son, Tommy. We are interested in serving in a regional church in the future. Please pray as we continue student ministry at Mount Druitt Anglican this year that we will learn more about serving in marginalised communities.

NELSON PARKER

I’m married to Lydia and have a 1­year­old son, Ezra. After a challenging but joyful 1st year with God showing us ourselves and his greatness, we’re looking forward to another year ahead as he continues to work in us. Please pray for us to grow in love, zeal, joy, patience, trust and diligence.

HENRY PASCOE

Looking forward to another year studying God’s word and serving at Grace City in Waterloo. Please pray that I would make the most of every opportunity God gives me this year to learn from him, serve him, and proclaim his name!

Married to the wonderful Kartika. We’re in our final year at MBM Parramatta after 12 years at MBM. Pray that we reach the lost, transition well, and be humble and content this year. We’d also love your prayers as we figure out how to be godly parents to newly born Abigail.

BENJAMIN

Not Matt. I serve at Holy Trinity Kingsford in youth ministry with my wonderful wife Bec. Please be praying for us that we might continue to work hard at pleasing God instead of men.

My wife Naomi and I are serving the incredible (by God’s grace) people at Bexley North (SNAC). For now, we’ve decided to say goodbye to sleep by having baby Angus. We need prayer for everything! Godliness, prayerfulness, energy, sleep, family, ministry, friends, wisdom, and maybe for study. Let’s go Jesus!

I love my Lord, my wife and my newborn son, serving at Christ Church St Ives, seeking to put off the old self and being renewed day by day.

JONATHAN LEGGETT

JAMES MARQUET

RENEE MILES

RACHEL MILLYNN

KHANH NGUYEN

SAMUEL OGG

REHAN PRINS

RADLOFF

MARCUS ROBERTSON

JOSHUA SAWYER

DANIEL

Paige and I are loving living in Newtown this year and go to church at Wild St in Maroubra. Please pray for wisdom as we seek to serve Jesus in a new place this year.

ADRIEL STEPHEN

I’m a Sydneysider serving at  NAC this year and am passionate about evangelism and discipleship in local churches. Please pray for fruitful study and service in the year ahead and for a determination to see churches that grow faster than people are perishing.

JACK STILEMAN

Sophie and I are from London. We’re living in Newtown and are part of St Thomas’ Church, North Sydney. While we’re at Moore, we’re longing to grow in our faith, love and hope in Jesus. The plan is to return to the UK, equipped to preach the gospel to Brits!

HAMISH SULLIVAN

We’re the Sullivans (Priscilla, Arthur (1) and myself (Hamish). We’re part of the But Har Gra community. We’re so thankful for God’s kindness and mercy throughout first year and looking forward to what second year will bring. Be praying for a good transition into our new church (MBM Rooty Hill).

I am currently serving at Christ Church Lavender Bay. Please pray for wisdom as I serve the young people here. Pray also that I may not become comfortable in faith or ministry, but that I continually seek to grow and challenge myself. Giddy up and to God be the glory!!

Thanking God for another year of College and serving brothers and sisters at Auburn Anglican church. Please pray for God’s refinement, a growing heart for the lost and awe at the majesty of God as revealed in his word as I continue on studying and living in College community!

Married to Emily, father of four boys, previously a land surveyor in Orange in central NSW. Called to the ministry and prayerfully exploring opportunities for regional pastoral ministry and/or church planting in the future. Currently serving at Stanmore (Reformed) Baptist Church. Please pray for us for wisdom, direction, and endurance.

BILL

Excited to be digging deeper into the Bible during second year of College, as well as serving alongside the team at Menai Anglican in the south of Sydney. Pray that learnings from this year wouldn’t remain as head knowledge, but would cultivate a greater love for God.

Beth and I are at Vine Church (she’s doing MTS there!) and are keen to continue growing and serving this year. We’d love prayer that God would grow in us discipline to balance work and rest, particularly intentional time spent together—much less incidental time than last year!

Pray that I could focus more in College life, adjust to new church life and new marriage life.

Having become a Christian in university, I am keen to continue my studies and be of good use to God and his people. Please pray for increasing confidence in God’s Word and deeper devotion to Jesus!

I would love prayers for godliness as I keep learning God’s word. Pray that I will learn it with humility and that my love for Jesus will grow more and more. Thanks.

BEN WILLIAMS

DAVID WONG

TOMMY WU

CHRISTINE ZHENG

CHRISTOPHER TOMPKINS

NAOMI UTBER

JOSHUA VENTURA

WALTON

SHEATH

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Looking forward to retirement

SECOND YEAR MARCUS ROBERTSON

Iknow what you’re thinking.

“This bloke is 28 years old and already contemplating retirement? He’s barely completed a year of College. Maybe he should do something with his life first!” This is exactly what my wife said when I told her I was writing this. But if you ask me, retirement life is the good life! My jobs before College never brought joy to my heart or mind. I worked in retail for over half a decade, and the dread of returning to the workplace after two weeks of well-planned annual leave was nauseating.

Then, my nine-to-five work in government services was about as exciting as a day packed with Zoom calls, which coincidentally is how my office hours were filled. After time off work, there was never room

in my heart to joyfully return to the monotonously decorated government buildings to stare at a screen for eight hours a day. I had just spent my leave at home doing what I love: staring at a screen for eight hours a day!

Retirement represents one of the critical goals of Western life: freedom. No more bosses, bureaucracy, or bus stops. No alarm clocks to snooze. No mindless mandatory training. No clocking in to clock out. No tasks, teams, or telegrams. No more boxes to open, packages to send, or trucks to drive. No more crying, no more pain. Freedom.

Freedom to enjoy the fruits of labour and to live the Australian dream of moving to my hometown, the immaculate beachside city of

Newcastle. You’ve worked for 60 years to set yourself up as best as possible with nice houses, cars, coffee machines, couches, and communities. Retirement is the time to eat, drink, and be merry. And to do it all in Newcastle!

At this point, you probably expect me to build my theological case, bringing verse after verse to build my demolition squad so I can pummel the materialist castle we all aspire to. And I could! I would go to verses like Mark 8:34–37:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their

soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”

Deny yourself in retirement! Use your retirement to take up your cross! Follow Christ while you’re retired! And it’s not that these things aren’t true. When we look at the message of the gospel, it’s impossible to come away without a serious challenge to our materialistic hearts. God’s word prompts us, again and again, to use our life circumstances

Lex is a retired telecommunications engineer. He’s married to Judith, and by God’s grace, they’ve brought up their adult children to know the Lord. Over the years, Lex has led Bible studies, taken PTC units, and been involved in other theological training without being in full-time ministry. Lex was a believer before anyone in my College cohort was born.

has an inspirational gospel focus that models the good life in their retirement.

After being part of a team with Lex for a few months, I noticed he prayed a lot in his personal life.

“Lex,” I uttered inquisitively, “on average, how much time would you spend praying each day?”

“Well, not much!”

“But honestly, Lex, just take a guess.”

“Hmmm, maybe 30 to 45 minutes a day?”

I was put to shame. Even though Lex fills his time with serving at church, volunteering in his previous industry, and catching up with fellow retirees seeking to share the gospel, he found more time in his week to pray than I had prayed by myself over a whole term.

“What are you up to this week, Don?” I queried.

for the kingdom. Verses like the above apply just as much to our retirement as they do to the rest of our lives.

But I want to tell you about two men at different services of my church who I have seen use their retirement in a way that takes the call of Mark 8 seriously: Lex and Don.

Don and his wife Mel are former missionaries. Don undertook years of theological training, travelled overseas, and lived in a community where he shared the gospel daily. When Don returned to Australia, he didn’t go back to his former police job. Instead, Don worked for the same missionary organisation that sent him, and was able to support other missionaries, travel to churches, and raise awareness for God’s work overseas. Don has story after story of seeing the gospel’s global impact on people’s lives.

Like all of us, Lex and Don have had times of building up and times of tearing down. Times of weeping and times of laughing. Times of tearing and times of mending. They are people like you and me, fighting the daily battle against sin. Both men live very different lives, but each

“Oh, not much. I’ll probably go for a walk and talk with Phil, and with Tim, and with… and then there’s our little service on Wednesday, and then gospel teams Wednesday night… and then I’ll try and catch up with some more people.”

Don spends his week encouraging the saints on into eternity. No one asked him to do it. That’s just what he does.

Lex and Don have realised what I hope we all can recognise: freedom in Jesus is greater than any possible freedom that retirement from work can offer. They have lived much of their lives serving God in any way they can. So my prayer is that you and I will imitate Lex and Don as they imitate Christ in the good life of retirement.

God’s word prompts us, again and again, to use our life circumstances for the kingdom.

Marcus with Pat and Peter Edwards during the recent Moore College mission week at Wahroonga Anglican Church

Lachlan and third year Zaneta Nealprofile

What aspects of College are you enjoying? College is providing us with the time and support to think deeply about God and everything else in relation to him. Now that we’re both in third year, we’re enjoying how the various threads gathered over first and second year (languages, Biblical studies, doctrine, church history, ministry reflection) are weaving together in a rich way that is fuelling our daily worship and service of God.

We have also loved learning alongside many others who want to serve Christ with all of their lives. It is special to share the same learning experience each day and work out how to embed it into our lives together. We’ve especially appreciated doing this as husband and wife.

What recent challenges have grown your faith? For several years we have considered the prospect of overseas mission together. College and student ministry have been excellent ways to keep taking steps down this path. However, as the possibility of mission has drawn closer, we are feeling the weight of big decisions for the future and the potential impact of our choices on those we love (including family here in Sydney).

This process of discernment has brought the need to trust God into focus. We acutely feel the uncertainty of the possibility of moving away from family for a long time and feel stretched to trust God with this big decision. And yet the reality of every day is that we are uncertain of what God has planned for us and what serving him will entail. Isn’t it just as necessary to exercise that trust in God in the smaller things of our day-to-day?

What does serving Jesus look like for you at the moment?

As of this year, we are student ministers at two wonderful congregations at Naremburn Cammeray Anglican Church: the Sydney Japanese Evangelical Church (SJEC) and the Naremburn 6pm service. It has been lovely to get to know the members of our new church family!

We also enjoy serving Jesus in our relationships outside of church and College—especially in our roles as brother/son/uncle and sister/daughter/aunty to our families here in Sydney.

How does knowing Jesus affect your plans for the future?

When we look to the future, we need to keep reminding ourselves that in everything we do, we are waiting for Jesus to return, the hope we long for. While we wait, we want to use the time God gives us wisely. For now, we will continue to take steps towards mission in Japan, as we know God’s love for Japan and the power of the gospel to bring new life to people who lack hope.

Wherever God places us and whatever he gives us to do, we are assured that we will carry the aroma of Christ with us to all we meet. We pray that this aroma will bring new life to many.

Third Year

I have enjoyed the last two years of College growing in my understanding of our faith and have cherished my student ministry experience in Glenbrook. Please pray I will grow in gratitude to God for the opportunity to participate in his work of calling the nations to himself through Jesus.

Name­meaning­prayers: That our daughter Zoe grows to know the “life” Jesus offers, that I “remember” the practicalities of ministry, and that Jess has the “foresight” of our future glory in Christ as we parent Zoe while she works at our church (NorthLight Anglican) and for College.

Emily and I would love prayer for this year as Emily undertakes a one­year ministry apprenticeship with the Evangelical Union at Sydney University. We would also love prayer as this is the first year of a new student ministry position at Sans Souci Anglican working particularly with youth.

Hi I am Sarah, 25, living at Chappo. Hoping to learn and grow more and more in relationship with God at College and thinking about how I can serve him best.

Amanda and I are serving at St George North Anglican Church. Pray that we grow in contentment in all things, knowing we have all we need in Christ. Pray also for wisdom as we raise Samuel (born in 2022) and adjust to parenting.

The Cai family (Yi, Yvonne, and Isaac) is attending Christ Church St Ives this year. Please pray that our family’s life is always shaped by the cross of Christ in humility, love, and service.

This year Renee and I are serving at Wahroonga Anglican Church, particularly in the youth and children’s ministries. We have been so encouraged by the hunger the youth have for God’s word. Please pray that God would bring people to know Christ and grow in Christ.

We are thankful to enter another year at Moore! As we manage the changes of third year—in workload, church and ministry, please pray that we would love each other well and serve Jesus with joy in all things. Pray for wisdom as we think about future ministry opportunities.

I’m thankful to God for our cohort, teachers and College life! I’m currently a student minister at St Andrew’s Cathedral. Please pray that I continue to grow in love and knowledge of God and that I may serve others well!

Priska, Eleanor, Sophia and I are excited to do life and ministry in south west Sydney over these next two years! Please pray for wisdom, discipline and joy in managing family, College and church responsibilities, doing it all for the Lord’s name and fame.

Thrilled to be a full­time student of God’s word! Please pray that each day I’m given would lead me to marvel more at our wonderful God, be humbled by the work of Christ, joyfully serve at Coogee Anglican and Two Ways Ministries, and lovingly care for my cohort.

Thankful for another year of College and the opportunity to learn and grow in community. Please pray for God to keep growing my diligence, wisdom, and patience as I serve at Mosman Village Church

(St Clement’s Mosman) this year and make decisions for next year!

I’m delighted to continue studying this year in a context that has been so rich both relationally and as a learning environment. Please pray for joyful perseverance in my study and for the steadfastness of the saints at Hurstville Grove Anglican where I serve.

Along with my wife Annie and son Ezra, I am serving in student ministry at Grace Anglican Gledswood Hills. We hope to build great relationships with the minister and members and be well equipped to share the gospel in the new suburbs of south west Sydney.

Jasper is married to Bec, and has three kids, Niamh, Elka, and Jovi. After College he will look to serve in pastoral ministry in Australia. Pray for an ever growing love of his wife, kids, God and God’s word, and that he will bodly stand for Christ in ministry ahead.

YI CAI

MATTHEW CAPEL

RENEE CAPEL

SARAH CHEW

ANGELINA CHUA

MELINDA CLEMENT

ADRIAN CHEUNG

ADAM DAVIES

DANIEL BEMMER

SARAH BOLTON

DAVID BURDIS

DANIEL CHEW

JASPER DE KEIZER

TRACE AKANKUNDA

ZAC ANDERSON

We are excited to be in our third year at College! We’ve recently moved to Newtown and also begun a new year of student ministry at St John’s Darlinghurst. Please pray we would continue to grow in both knowledge and wisdom and that we would serve faithfully at St John’s.

My name is Matt Evans and I’m married to Sophia. We have three children, Theo, Flynn, and Zeke. Please pray we’d be well equipped and grow in our character to serve God’s people for however long the Lord gives.

I’m thankful for God’s grace to me in Christ, another year to study and grow, and my church at Naremburn Cammeray Anglican. Please pray that I’ll grow in love for God and others this year, and for wisdom as to where I might serve post­College. Thanks for your prayers!

My amazing wife Emma and I have a heart to see many thousands of Australians come to put their trust in Jesus and are convicted to dedicate our life to service to that end. Pray for humility to trust in God’s good plan for our lives, especially in the valleys.

I’m married to Sam and we have a cheeky two­year­old called Lucas and a newborn Jemima. Sam is the Children’s and Families Minister at Minto Anglican and I’m a student minister there. Please pray as we adjust to being a family of four while serving.

I’m an ordination candidate for Sydney and believe God is calling me into ministry focusing on Army chaplaincy. Pray for wisdom in managing my time between College, church, Army reserves, personal devotion, and raising support. Pray that God would mould me into a man with Christ at the centre.

DYLAN

I am grateful to God to be studying at College and to be pursuing a life of ministry. Please pray for my studies and for my new role at All Saints’ Petersham.

It’s been a great joy for Anna and I to study God and his word. As we have started at St Paul’s Canterbury this year, please pray that we would take hold of the many opportunities to love and serve Jesus and his people at this new church.

Another year at College – praise God for his ongoing provision! We are serving as student ministers at St Paul’s Canterbury, and we still love Jesus, hanging out with friends, and life in Newtown. Please pray for discipline and love for God in all that we do.

ROSS

My wife Lilian and I had our second child, Charles in June. Pray for us as our family grows, especially that Jemima (2021) will enjoy being a big sister. It’s such a privilege to be equipped for a lifetime of gospel ministry during these years.

Abi and I are excited to move in to College accomodation this year and continue doing church at Norwest Anglican. Please pray for us to continue seeking after God’s will and getting stuck into all ministry opportunities this year.

Serving at Coogee

Anglican and Two Ways Ministries. Excited about the learning and training opportunities this year. Thrilled for third year. Pray that I would fix my eyes on Jesus as I seek to listen to him, grow in love for him and be better equipped to serve his people.

My wife Erin and I, with our children Abigail and Maggie, are at Lower Mountains Anglican and we are planning to return to a rural area to do parish ministry. We enjoy coffee and laughing together. Pray that we will trust God and his plan for us.

Please pray that Abi and I would be trained and equipped for a lifetime of gospel learning and ministry. Please pray for us as we consider local church ministry in Melbourne and Perth after College.

Give thanks to God with Naomi and I for the wonderful gift of our son Samuel over the summer! Pray that I would grow in godliness as a loving husband, father, friend, neighbour, and student, and for wisdom and guidance post­College. We’re serving again this year at St Mark’s Malabar.

MATT EVANS

SARAH FITZPATRICK

LUKE FOTHERINGHAM

SIMON GRAHAM

HOOD

JOSH HOOLE

ANNA HOOLE

IRELAND

TONY KONG

JARED LIDGERWOOD

ANDREW LOH

TIM LOWTH

TIMOTHY EDWARDS

EDWARD HAPPER

TOM ISRAEL

JOEL MAILEI

Samoan. Grew up in the south west. Somehow ended up on the north shore. I love my church (The Bridge Church) where I’ve served and trained over the past 8 years. Have a heart for the south west and the Pacific Islander community.

CAROLE MAXWORTHY

Please pray that I would take up the responsibilities of marriage, church, family, friends, and study with joy, zeal, and love in this final year of College. Freshly married to Cameron and serving at St Anne’s in Ryde.

CAMERON MAXWORTHY

Thankful to be studying at College for another year. Please pray for Carole and me as we settle into our first year of marriage and begin serving together at St Anne’s in Ryde. Please also pray that God would continue to prepare us for a future serving in rural/regional Australia.

CALLUM MORRIS

Married to Brittany. Just started at St Andrew’s Strathfield after leaving my home church, St Thomas’ North Sydney. Please pray for wisdom about the best way to serve God together. Pray for settling in at our new church and the new ministries we’ll take part in there.

Recently made a transition of churches and am now serving the community of Toongabbie Anglican Church. I’m passionate about reaching the vulnerable people groups of Sydney and the world with the life­giving gospel. Joyful to have the opportunity to learn with my College family.

Zaneta and I are very thankful for our time studying and ministering together. We are currently at Naremburn Cammeray Anglican Church. Please pray for our deepening love of God and for clarity as we consider future ministry in Japan.

My husband Lachie and I are grateful for the opportunity to study and grow together at College. We are currently considering mission work in Japan for the future, but are eager to serve God and his church wherever we may be.

Looking forward to another year of growth to keep being equipped for ministry outside of Sydney in the near future. I have joined the city crew by beginning my internship at Scots Presbyterian Church for the next two years.

I’m excited to serve alongside the Christian students at ACU North Sydney this year, and to keep meeting with the saints of St Mark’s Berowra with my husband Ben. Please pray God will grow us in serving our King together and that God would be equipping me for ministry post­College.

Ruth and I have loved our first two years in the Moore community and are looking forward to even more. We would love prayer that God will grow us in patience, perseverance and love as we endeavour to serve him and raise our children (Henry and James) to follow Jesus.

JOSHUA RICH

In two years, we’ll return to New Zealand to proclaim the gospel and train up others in God’s church. Please pray we would do exactly this in our remaining two years in Sydney and for our future ministry in New Zealand.

JAMES

We are loving our time at College and Lane Cove Anglican Church. Please pray for my wife, Ally, and kids, Eden and Levi, that we would grow in love for God and others and be equipped for a life of ministry.

I’m a Western Sydney patriot and praying a big prayer of revival for the area. Currently serving at MBM Parramatta and Rooty Hill.

Keen to be studying at College and being shaped for a lifetime of serving God! I’m serving at St Peter’s Anglican at St Peters.

I’m so thankful to God for all he has taught me at College so far as I head into third year and begin serving at St Andrew’s Cathedral. Please pray amidst change that God would grow me in dependence on him and faithfulness as I serve.

RUSSELL

MARC SAFARI

SIMON SHEELY

LACHLAN NEAL

ZANETA NEAL

CAITLIN OGG

AMY OLSSON

JARROD NANGLE

MICHAEL PARKER

CLARE SMEALLIE

ANDREW STANFORD

We would love prayer for wisdom in how to best live lives that honour Jesus with Sophie continuing to work as a community nurse and Andrew excited to go deeper into God’s word. We have begun serving at All Saints’ Petersham so please pray we would form good relationships.

JONATHAN TAN

Please pray that College will not merely be an intellectual exercise but a formative time of being transformed to be more like Christ in love for God and our neighbour. Pray for wisdom as we raise our son to know and love the Son.

CALEB TORRANCE

I am married to Kirsty and we have a daughter Lucy. We live out at Moorewest and we hope to go into rural parish ministry after College.

NIC TREVENA

Married to Sophie, we live with our daughter Lucia (1) in Newtown and attend Newtown Erskineville Anglican Church. I left my career in social work to train for Christian ministry at Moore College. To relax I like reading poetry and novels, exercising, and exploring nature.

LUKE TUCKER

This year my family and I have moved into Newtown. My wife Em and I have two children, Bee (2) and Wes (newborn). We love the rich Anglican heritage of Moore College and are excited by the prospect of parish ministry in Sydney diocese.

BRAYDEN WALL

My wife Bek and I continue to serve at Soul Revival Church in Kirrawee this year. As my role there grows and expands, please pray for God’s help as we navigate a very busy year and juggle new responsibilities.

ELOWYN

I’m excited to be serving as a student minister at The Bridge Church Kiribilli this year. Please pray that I would learn a lot from the amazing team at The Bridge, especially the multiple women on staff, and that I will be a blessing to those I serve.

PHILLIP WITHERIDGE

Sophie and I are thankful to be able to study God’s word alongside a wonderful cohort with the help of thoughtful lecturers. We’re working as student ministers at Rouse Hill Anglican, and are excited to be a part of what God is doing there.

SOPHIE WITHERIDGE

I’m completing the final year of my degree this year. I’m grateful for how College is equipping me to be a lifelong learner of the Bible now and in my future ministry. Please pray that God would provide me with opportunities to serve him and his church next year.

Married to Chloe with two kids, Eli (4) and Saskia (1). Pray that we’d all grow in our godliness this year as we are trained at College and serve at St Matt’s Botany.

Please pray for Emma and me in our first year of parenting our daughter Imogen, that God would provide us with grace and dependence on him in this new chapter. Please pray for God’s help in balancing College, leading youth ministry at The Bridge Church, and loving my family well.

KYLIE

I am living in Penrith with my husband, Andy, and three beautiful children. Please pray as I juggle study and family commitments that I would always have Jesus as my first delight and that his love would overflow in service to everyone I meet each day.

I am married to Vicky and we have a 1­year­old daughter, Hannah. I am serving as a student minister at St John’s Anglican Church Parramatta, ministering to the Mandarin and Cantonese congregation. We want to minister to Chinese immigrants after College.

WILLIAMS ROLDAN

KADIN WOOD

JULIAN YIN

YIP

ANDY ZHANG

•

desire for good in a worldcraving authenticity The

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

In these words, Jesus lays out an essential posture for his disciples: to put the self to death, denying not just aspects of one’s identity but surrendering it wholly to Christ.

This is easily taken as an insult to authenticity, realised with self-awareness, embraced through self-acceptance and lived out by self-expression. In a world where people are seen as inherently good, to flourish means to live out one’s true self in a show of courage and creativity. Now, “suppression” and “submission” are dirty words smothered under the carpet of tolerance.

Yet this cry for authenticity does not merely spring forth from the secular. The church also longs to cast aside its perfect facade to get to its gritty inner bits, a desire couched in the language of repentance, vulnerability, and sharing our struggles.

What can be better to show the goodness of grace than to acknowledge the brokenness of sinful man?

A matter of trust

No one likes a hypocrite. Authenticity—when what we do and say is aligned with what we think and feel—is good. It enables faithfulness and fosters trust, helping us to live harmoniously with others.

This is difficult for mankind. We are finite in knowledge and ability, finding ways to conceal our sin, and often reliant on our fellow man to reveal what is within. We desire intimacy but need trust to obtain it; we have to relinquish a part of ourselves without the guarantee of an equal return from the other.

The world’s remedy to authenticity is to amplify the goodness of choice and the exercising of rights while villainising the limitations imposed by authorities. The world says, “I choose to make myself known, so accept me for who I am,” using the language of choice and the

THIRD YEAR SARAH CHEW

goal of happiness to cover up any incongruence in its thoughts and deeds.

But this is not the case with God. When God reveals himself as “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:13–22), it is this name by which he is to be remembered by his people forever. His promises of deliverance and blessing are always fulfilled. God’s character and authority are fundamentally consistent with his choices; he can action what he desires and claims, making him entirely trustworthy.

The ugly truth

Scripture condemns hypocrisy. Jesus calls out the hypocrites who pay lip service to God while their self-interested hearts are far away from him (Matthew 6:1–6, 15:7–9). Those who follow Jesus are warned of the dangers of hypocrisy (Luke 11:53–12:3), rebuked for hypocritical conduct (such as Paul opposing Cephas in Galatians 2:11–14), and encouraged to put off the old hypocritical self (1 Peter 2:1; Colossians 3:9).

But what happens when facing our hypocrisy is unpleasant or uncomfortable? What if the truth hurts, bringing up displeasure and conflict? Evil comes from within, with the root cause a desperately sick and defiled heart (Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 15:18–19; Mark 7:20–23). The world’s idea that authentic self-expression is good is placed on shaky ground.

Truth is relativised when virtues such as love, humility, patience, and kindness are based on what feels good rather than what is good. The true self ironically becomes formed through a mutual display (where we each behave in a way that feels good to us), its focus on external response rather than internal reflection.

Redeemed sinners

But we Christians know better. As followers of the Lord Jesus, we are broken sinners, once dead in our sins but now saved by grace (Ephesians 2:1–10). We are called to repentance and confession of our sins, with the full assurance of being welcomed home like the prodigal son.

We and our churches might celebrate authenticity, maybe even demand it. Getting real is a way to combat the self-righteousness and legalism that can pervade church circles. Authenticity paves the way for accountability, allowing us to strip away the pretence of perfection and bear with each other’s brokenness, with the assurance that no one is too far to be saved. Still, are there times we can be in danger of glorifying our sin under the guise of being honest? Everyday faithfulness can seem comparatively mundane when we can instead wear our sin as a badge of honour, a relatable signal of belonging to the tribe of Christ. Can our transparency in sharing our sin sometimes trump our pursuit of transformation by the Spirit?

Getting real about being real

We should not downplay the seriousness of pervasive sin nor the significance of God’s mercy, for it is immeasurably gracious and loving for God to save us while we were sinners. But that is not the end of the story. We are saved for good works (Ephesians 2:8–10), called to be holy in conduct (1 Peter 1:14-16), and to become slaves to righteousness (Romans 6:15-23). This can sometimes involve living in a way that does not feel authentic. We struggle against our sin, knowing that our Redeemer has saved us and looking forward to the day he will wipe our tears and make us new in his Kingdom. While we wait for Jesus to return, let us not fall into the trap of conflating our acknowledgement of sin with its acceptance. Getting real about our struggles is not an excuse to stop putting sin to death. As we battle hypocrisy in our quest for authenticity, we should take care to get our definition right: authenticity is about living out our beliefs rather than our feelings. It is a life conformed to the image of Christ despite our desire to sin.

Christ is the only one who lived an authentic life with integrity, true to himself, yet sinless. The good life in Christ is about getting real about our sin because we have surrendered our lives fully to him and seek to glorify him.

As followers of the Lord Jesus, we are broken sinners, once dead in our sins but now saved by grace. We are called to repentance and confession of our sins, with the full assurance of being welcomed home like the prodigal son.

Alan

Nguy

Travelling over seven thousand kilometres, the good life was everything that my parents looked for when they finally arrived in Melbourne from Vietnam: education, safety, health, and opportunities.

Little did they know, their firstborn would end up in gospel ministry— the epitome of the wasted life. They pictured someone yelling at people on a milk crate wasting the good education they had sacrificed for, forsaking the financial security they had dreamed of for their children.

How did I end up in gospel ministry with parents who had big dreams for me?  You might think you know how this story goes… high achieving Asian chasing the high grades for family honour and the good life. But that’s not my story. Instead of chasing good grades and an esteemed occupation, the good life for me was found in my acceptance by others. I worked tirelessly at it, hoping to not be left out and to make it into the right friendship groups. However, when university started, I was back to square one, looking for acceptance in an environment where I felt extremely small. At this time, a good friend invited me to a church group. It was the perfect set up: people made an

effort to get to know me and befriend me. It didn’t get better than this! One night our Bible study leader taught me about the reality of God and the consequences of not recognising him in my life. I was in shambles. All my life, I had chased acceptance from those around me thinking it was the good life. My

word and God in His kindness opened my eyes to the amazing work of Jesus who died for me so that I could be accepted by Him. This free gift of acceptance was like an acceptance I had never experienced before: secure, fixed and unable to be taken away from me as it wasn’t in my hands or in the people around me but in my Heavenly Father who is good and faithful. What good news!

In trusting that good news, my idea of the good life was flipped upside down. Nowadays, my version of the good life clashes terribly with my parents’. It has caused much turmoil and heartache as they are sure it is a wasted life. But what looks like a wasted life in the world’s eyes is anything but that. Jesus flips the world’s version of a good life upside down for blessed are the poor, the weak… for theirs is the kingdom of God!

university experience was teaching me how unattainable it was and, worse, I was now confronted with the reality that I was at odds with God, my creator. What I really needed was acceptance from God.

This led me to dive deep into the Bible. Every morning on my train ride to university, I opened up God’s

Though my parents think their sacrifices for me to have the good life now is wasted, what they don’t understand is that I am living the good life now, and it only gets better when Jesus returns. It is my prayer that one day they will know this good life too.

This free gift of acceptance was like an acceptance I had never experienced before: secure, fixed and unable to be taken away from me as it wasn’t in my hands or in the people around me but in my Heavenly Father…

Fourth Year

My family and I (Jess, Zoë, and Hannah) attend Summer Hill Church on Sundays. Student ministry midweek with the Healing Service at St Andrew’s Cathedral. Patriot of, and advocate for But­Har­Gra. Please pray for growth in love and godliness, and opportunities to serve the Lord next year.

Please pray for me to walk closely with Christ during my final year of study at Moore— especially for humility and graciousness towards fellow students, and learning deeply from God’s word so that I will be shaped by his Spirit and not become complacent or hardhearted.

Sophall and I are at St Stephen’s, Willoughby, for our final year. Please pray that God would continue to grow and mature us. Pray for Soph as she works. Pray for our fundraising for the year. Pray as we make decisions about next year.

Queenslander. Married to Kim. At St John’s Anglican Church in Maroubra. Heading to Armidale diocese next year.

Leah, William, and I are excited to be in our fourth year at College! We serve at Naremburn Cammeray Anglican Church. Please pray that we will balance family, church and College life well, love each other deeply, and love God more!

ASH

Chappo is my home, and a woman’s home is her castle. I church at St Andrew’s, Strathfield, where I get to minister alongside many Koreans and sub­continental friends—and eat all their food. I’m excited to read the Bible with Koreans next year. In Sydney, or Seoul? The Lord knows!

MAX

Currently at Mosman Village Church together with my wife, Kate, and our two daughters, Lucie and Sadie. Greatful for the opportunity to learn, grow and be refined in preparation for fulltime ministry.

Georgia and I are excited for our final year at College, another year serving at All Saints’, Petersham, and welcomed our first child, Patterson in April. Please pray for wisdom as we look to life after College and that we might trust God in all things.

Amy and I are keen to make the most of our relationships before heading home to Ireland. It’s been a blast getting to do College alongside so many great people and we want to use the time we have left effectively!

My wife, Maddy, and I come from Sydney’s west, where we currently live and serve. We’re preparing to serve in the Sydney Anglican Diocese next year. But we’ve got a big heart to go to the nations with our family (Ezra + 1 incoming) in the future!

JAKE

Pray that Evie and I would both walk closely with the Lord this year, that we would be an encouragement to those at St James’, Croydon, and for wisdom about where and how we might serve the Lord in the years to come.

MARTIN

Olivea and I currently serve at Chatswood Presbyterian Church. Please pray that God would grow us in Christian maturity and as a married couple. And pray for wisdom in discerning which church we will serve in next year as I progress towards Presbyterian ordination. Thanks!

My wife Karen, our daughter Alice and I attend Grace City Church. We would love prayer that we both may have capacity to enjoy this year and continue to grow as we study God’s word.

DAVID

Looking forward to the year to come. Would love prayer for wisdom for me and Maddie as we consider next steps.

Serving at St Barnabas’, Bossley Park, living at John Chapman House, feeling healthy nervousness and excitement to drink deep from Scripture. Please pray for the small things to serve the big things, trusting God in my weakness, and growing in loving him more. Pray for good opportunities next year.

FITZPATRICK

FONG

JADE HAJJ

HARRINGTON

BRAITHWAITE

BREWER

ADAM CONDIE

JORDAN CUNNINGHAM

JOSHUA DONOHOO

JONATHAN ADAMS

STEPHANIE ADAMS

MICAH BEEL

REUBEN BIRCHLEY

PETER BLAKE

BROOKE HAZELGROVE

I and my wife, Jen, hope to return to our native UK at the end of this year for deployment in the Lord’s harvest field. Pray we’d love each other and our 4 boys well and make good use of this opportunity to prepare for a lifetime of faithful ministry.

Erin and I, with Hannah and Daniel, continue to serve the saints at Campbelltown Anglican Churches. We’re excited for ordained Anglican ministry in the South West of Sydney, so please pray that we’ll be well prepared for parish ministry, and for more gospel workers for the South West!

God has pushed me to appreciate his goodness and depend on him more and more over the past three years. Please pray for me to appreciate all I can learn about God in fourth year and to be a more caring leader in my life and ministry.

ALEXANDER MACDONALD

Katie and I, with Clare and Finn, are serving at Canterbury this year and still working through decisions that will shape our path in life and ministry for at least the first few years out of College. Please pray for godly discernment and faith in God’s provision.

My wife and I are starting at St John’s, Parramatta, this year. Please pray for energy to finish our time at College well, and for humility as we continue to learn how to serve God and his people.

We’ve called Sydney home for the past 3 years but we’re keen to head back to our home in Melbourne where there are many gospel needs.

Zoe and I are excited to return to Malaysia. Please pray for a good final year in Moore and Sydney and for us as new parents caring for Isaiah. Pray also for wisdom in deciding where best to serve in Malaysia.

Amy and I are looking forward to a big final year of College! We welcomed out first child Sadie in April. We’d love your prayers for all the changes ahead as we seek to trust God in all things!

DUNCAN SUTHERLAND

Francesca, Leo, Jasper and I are excited for our final year at College and Vine Church before we head back out into full­time ministry. Please pray for our growth as disciples, parents, spouses and students of the word so we can better serve our community for decades to come.

I’ve started at a new church for my final year—Summer Hill. I’m excited and intimidated getting stuck into my fourth year project. Please pray for great learning at both College and church and that it would be helpful in clarifying what life will look like after College.

Hannah and I have loved our time at College and are ready to return to full­time ministry. Please pray that we grow deeply as disciples of Christ in this last year at College and that, amidst the busyness, we remember the one thing that truly matters.

Bonny and I married this year in January. We’re serving at Pitt Town, and we’re excited for this year of many firsts. Please pray for growth as a married couple, perseverance as we tackle study and work, and wisdom as we consider next steps in ministry for 2024 and beyond.

Chantelle and I continue to serve at Marrickville as I complete my studies. So thankful for all the wonderful blessings College and student ministry bring, and we pray that God will continue to humble us and shape us to be servants of Christ.

SAMUEL HERBERT

MICHAEL LATTEN

HOSEA LUY

ROBERT MAYHEW

ALAN NGUY

KEVIN PHANG

OWEN ROBSON

SIMON SWADLING

SILAS THIEM

NATHAN TUCKWELL

TIMOTHY YOUNG

freedom of obedience The

FOURTH YEAR JORDAN CUNNINGHAM

But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it, not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it, they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:25

If someone were to suggest that the essence of freedom resides in law and obedience, it may, at first, sound rather disappointing. Something a stuffy, Victorian-esque spoilsport would likely declare, as if suspicious that someone nearby may be thinking of enjoying themselves. Indeed, compared with our instinctual impressions of freedom, such a sentiment seems to run entirely against the direction from which it naturally flows. Because we typically conceive of freedom only in the negative—freedom from something, such as debt, suffering or slavery. However, valid as these examples may be, defining freedom as the absence of “bad” does not adequately describe the gift which the God of Scripture provides. Practically, this should come as no surprise, since our experience tells us that aiming only to avoid “bad” things doesn’t mean we end up doing “good” things. The steak cooked only with the end of not poisoning someone will rarely end up juicy and delicious; the business aiming only to avoid loss will scarcely make profit; the sermon crafted only to avoid offence will hardly offer anything convicting. It would seem then that the essence of true freedom depends, like anything else, not simply on a movement from something negative, but toward something positive.

Consider how Scripture demonstrates God’s gift of freedom for his people. When Yahweh rescues the Hebrews from slavery under Egypt, he saves them for a new life and identity in the promised land. Fundamental to the formation of the nation of Israel is the provision of

his law which gives shape to this newfound life and identity. Likewise, when Christ leads his people in the new Exodus from slavery under sin and death, he sets them free as God’s children to live under what the Apostle Paul describes as “the law of Christ”. As a result, when the Saviour declares that he has come to give us life and “life to the full”, he is not referring to directionless, unconstrained indulgence of our desires from which we are free solely of their due punishment. After all, human desire is one of slavery’s most relentless taskmasters! Instead, we are given something much better: freedom to be who God has truly made us to be, bearers of his image who glorify him by reflecting his love in all they do.

In this way, Jesus’ definition of freedom is experienced by living for and with the God who made us, as he designed us. Nothing more, nothing less. Every other promise of good life—be it from governments, philosophies or political movements ending in -ism— has eventually failed to deliver and so fallen out of fashion. But as countless lives in the 21st century and beyond continue to declare, the law of the Lord is enduring and will never pass away. Hence, for those of us who have tasted God’s goodness and left our former lives behind, we find ourselves asking rhetorically alongside the Apostle Paul: what benefits were we getting from the lawlessness in which we were once “free” to walk? We can say this because, in hindsight, the Christian sees that “freedom” from God’s law is rather like sport free from rules or an orchestra free from harmony. A society of individuals, each doing what is right in their own eyes and following their impulses as law, cannot actually achieve freedom in any meaningful or desirable sense. The outward-loving order and purpose of our lives becomes confused and obscured as our relationships devolve from self-giving to self-

absorption. Like a table of children greedily snatching as much food as they can carry lest they miss out, the desire to “outdo one another in showing honour” becomes a contest to hoard honour and all its privileges. It is, eventually, to establish impulse-driven personal autonomy as the highest good. By sacrificing stability, human flourishing and even joy on the altar of selfassertion, we find ourselves slavishly committed to an ideology that stubbornly and proudly declares: I don’t care if I’m joyful or miserable, fulfilled or unfulfilled, at peace or in distress, so long as I choose the way I am! Essentially, freedom from God’s law is no freedom at all, but merely slavery under a different master. Paradoxically, those who willingly embrace slavery to Christ find themselves yoked to a much lighter burden. To put oneself in service to Jesus is merely to commit to the wonderful task of loving God and neighbour, the two commandments upon which the entire law depends. Crucially, however, the Christian pursues these things not as a laborious means to win freedom and acceptance from God and people. Rather, a life spent loving God and one another is the fruit of the freedom which has already been won by Christ. If Jesus is the fulfilment of all the law’s riches (and therefore all that is good) then his church’s imperative to obey him is not a call to strive slavishly so that we might attain something. It is to strive freely to be who we truly are, enjoying the One

who is truly ours, all the while reciprocally building up and supporting one another in our joyful task.

To meditate on and obey the laws of Scripture is therefore to engage with the very heart and mind of God. We flourish under his precepts like trees planted by streams of water because through his law we share communion with the one who gives and sustains the fullness of life. Consider Psalm 119, which uniquely exemplifies this natural obedience to God by demonstrating the inexhaustible treasures of his law. Asthe longest sustained meditation in Scripture, this Psalm’s riches flow not from duty or obligation, but freely arise from the appointed end of true joy: overflow into praise. May the essence of its message then spur us on to take hold of that eternal, glorious joy which Christ has won for us: the freedom to obey him.

Praise be to you, Lord;  teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.

I rejoice in following your statutes, as one rejoices in great riches.

I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.

I delight in your decrees;

I will not neglect your word. Psalm 119:12–16

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joys of life The at College

Can you have the good life at Moore College? Between deadlines and the things demanding our attention, there are a multitude of joys to be found. Read on as College students reflect on the best parts of life during their years of studying God’s word.

My favourite part of College has become seeing familiar and friendly faces around Newtown and College. God has given us new life in union with Christians globally, and it’s a joy to be surrounded locally by brothers and sisters as I walk the streets and corridors greeting one another. Hello! – James Chen, second year

I love that there is a concrete path in the middle of the College Green that goes nowhere else except directly into a big hedge… Peter Jensen has confirmed it exists for lunchtime cricket. I love the unique extra rules founded on fairness, sharing, and efficiency of time. I love the banter and good conversations (especially about what we’ve just been learning in class) in the ‘Bowling Line’. But most of all, I love having half an hour a day to relax and have fun on the grass in the sunshine with my siblings in Christ. – Zac Anderson, third year

Launched at the start of 2022, Pilates Club fills a gap in the ever-increasing College sports market for those who like exercise but lack hand-eye coordination. A committed crew of core-crunching women and men, gathering around Chris Hemsworth’s fitness app, bonding through pain and planks. – Elowyn Williams Roldan, third year

“Was Jesus born in Australia?”

“No—he was born in the UK!”

A joy during the College week is teaching SRE on a Thursday afternoon. There is never a dull moment; the conversation between students (above) was among my favourites! It’s been great getting out of one classroom to join another (very different!) one—smaller chairs but the same gospel. – Sam

Begg, first year

I have a village to belong to. I love the special and mundane ways I’ve been included in the lives and families of my classmates and the ways I’ve been able to be a blessing to them too. I’ve made food for and with others; there’s been Friday night bed and bath routines, taking a bub for a walk so Mum could have time to breathe. I can ask to come and hang out; no real reason needed. We share study but also life. It doesn’t always look coherent, but we encourage each other to glorify God. It’s good. – Brooke

Hazelgrove, fourth year

I have found my year group to be such a blessing! I only knew a few people coming in, so I didn’t know what to expect, but I was talking with a College friend recently about how genuine, positive, and encouraging everyone is.

A joy during the College week is teaching SRE on a Thursday afternoon. There is never a dull moment.

We feel strongly that when people ask questions in class or speak to each other over lunch, they aren’t flexing their knowledge and gifts or performing for their peers; they are driven by a genuine desire to help people grow in their love for Jesus. It’s been such a wonderful encouragement, and I’m very thankful! – Ben

Gibson, first year

What an incredible privilege to pray to the God of all creation, our Father of all peoples and nations! One thing I love about College life is mission prayer groups. To lift our eyes from the noise of Newtown to the nations who need to hear the mystery of Christ revealed to us. To gather as one body, partnering with brothers and sisters faithfully serving in far-off cultures, praising our glorious God for his work as we long for his kingdom to come. What a privilege! What a good life! – Naomi

Utber, second year

The good life at College? Gathering to learn from God’s word. Gathering three times a week at Chapel. Gathering around a hearty lunch. Gathering with fellow fourth years to read the Bible in their original languages (how nerdy!). Gathering in the playground during ‘dad-hour’. The good life? Gathering with God’s people. I know. How very Knox-Robinson of me. – Michael Latten, fourth year

Faculty

MARK THOMPSON

Mark Thompson is the Principal of the College and teaches in the area of Christian doctrine. He continues to be grateful to God for the opportunity to serve at Moore College and to see God at work in the lives of our students. He is also engaged in a number of writing projects. He is married to Kathryn and they have four young adult daughters.

SIMON GILLHAM

Simon and Margie have two adult children, Maddie and Noah. They served as missionaries in Namibia before coming to Moore in 2016. Simon teaches Mission and Ministry subjects at College and is Vice Principal. Margie works for CMS providing pastoral support to missionaries. They enjoy time with family and friends, sailing and riding their motorbike together.

Susan is blessed to be a Christian first, as well as being a daughter, sister and aunty to the world’s most adorable nephews. Susan is new to the faculty and is the Dean of Women and a lecturer in the Ministry and Mission Department. She loves reading, baking and spending time with her nephews.

George is married to Koula, and they have two daughters, Hosanna and Josephine. George has been on faculty since 2006. He teaches in the Old Testament department, and is the Director of Research. He loves helping people know God by understanding the Bible. He also enjoys history, archaeology, good coffee, and Formula One.

Mark is married to the indefatigable Tanya, and they have four young and energetic children: Grace (10), Simeon (9), Sophia (6), and Zoe (3). The Earngey family worship weekly at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Canterbury, holiday annually anywhere north of Sydney, and recreate really well with Bluey (kids) and Blue Cheese (parents).

Paul loves his job as Dean of Students and enjoys lecturing students in Ministry and Mission. He is married to Cathy and has 3 kids as well as a son­in­law and a daughter­in­law. He loves working with students to develop self­awareness and relationship skills through intentional ministry reflection and he’s thrilled to be studying expositional preaching and thinking about how to do application better.

Tom is married to Jess, and they have three young children. The Habibs attend St Stephen’s Anglican, Newtown, and enjoy watching LegoMasters while eating pizza and ice cream. If a student ever wanted to grab a coffee or even a cheeky late night burger with Tom, he probably wouldn’t say no.

The Höhnes have been part of the Moore College community since before the iPhone, attending Newtown/Erskineville Anglican church. David serves as the Academic Dean and teaches theology and philosophy. Amelia serves in Anglicare ministry leading a team of specialists who support cross­cultural ministries in local parishes. With our adult daughter and sons, we enjoy telling stories and long conversations around the dinner table.

PAUL GRIMMOND

TOM HABIB

DAVID HÖHNE

SUSAN AN

GEORGE ATHAS

MARK EARNGEY

Philip and Amy were married in 1984. They have 1 daughter, 3 sons, and 2 daughters­in­law. Philip joined the New Testament department in 1998. He likes to read widely, ride bikes, and watch his children participate in various sports.

Chase is married to Amy, and they have four children. He lectures in Christian Doctrine and Ethics and is the Centre for Christian Living Director. He enjoys playing games with his family, cheering the Swans, golfing, and riding his motorcycle. As a family, they attend St Paul’s Anglican Church in Canterbury.

Andrew is married to Felicity with three children, William, Tessa, and Hugh. He lectures in Christian doctrine. Andrew loves spending time with his wife and kids, and with friends near and far. He enjoys the music of Bach, Brahms, and Mahler, the poetry of Eliot and Manley Hopkins, as well as cooking, a bit of exercise, moderately effective efforts to make his garden grow, and rest. On Sundays his family attend All Saints’ Petersham.

Peter is married to Emma and they have four sons, Ben, Ollie, Jonny and Daniel. Originally from Northern Ireland, he joined the faculty in 2014. He teaches Greek and New Testament and is thankful for the privilege of time in class reading God’s Word. Peter enjoys spending time with family, reading fiction, and lunch­time cricket at College. Peter and his family are at All Saints’ Petersham.

Archie is married to Ainsley and they have three children, Georgia (married to Ben), Zoe and Archie. Archie has the joy of teaching in the Ministry Department and is currently formalising his lifelong research in developing clergy competency. He doesn’t have any passionate hobbies apart from learning about anything he observes. He loves helping out in cross­cultural ministries.

Between teaching, which he never tires of, Andrew spends time with his students, preaches, and writes on the Old Testament. He is excited about the richness of the Old Testament as a source for Christian theology. Andrew is married to Jean. They have three children who fill their lives with excellent conversation.

Jane lectures in Ministry, Church History, and is the Director of the Priscilla & Aquila Centre and lives in Newtown. She loves walking, movies and spending time with family and friends. Jane is a member of All Saints’ Petersham.

Paul and Karen have two adult sons, Matthew and Andrew and a daughter­inlaw. Paul has taught Old Testament at Moore since 2001. He is currently working on commentaries on Exodus and Ezekiel. Recreationally, Karen and Paul enjoy seaside walks, and basketball.

Lionel is married to Bronwyn and they have three children, Adelaide (married to Tom), Harrison and Eleanor. Lionel has been lecturing in New Testament since 2015. He loves seeing people grow in joy and confidence in understanding God’s word and speaking it to others. The Windsors belong to St Nick’s Anglican, Coogee.

Dan is married to Chrissie and they have three sons, Liam, Archie and Harry. On the faculty since 2013, Dan teaches in Old Testament and Biblical Languages. His research explored the relationship of honour, shame and guilt in Ezekiel. Dan also loves fishing, footy and basketball.

ANDREW LESLIE

PETER ORR

ARCHIE POULOS

ANDREW SHEAD

CHASE KUHN

PHILIP KERN

JANE TOOHER

PAUL WILLIAMSON

LIONEL WINDSOR

DAN WU

Chaplains

LOUISE CUNNINGHAM

Louise has enjoyed leading youth, student and church ministry over the years with a particular focus on pastoring and mentoring women in ministry. She is excited to be involved in the chaplaincy program at a College that loves and serves men and women, training them for ministry. She is married to Roger, the Senior Minister at Emu Plains Anglican and they have three young adult sons and a daughter­in­law.

EMILY DELLER

Along with her husband Luke and their four children, Emily attends Newtown: Erskineville Anglican Church. Please pray that Emily will point people to Jesus particularly as she walks alongside the students at College and teaches Scripture at local primary schools.

EMILY GILMOUR

Emily serves at Sans Souci Anglican with her husband Stephen, whom she met at Moore College around 10 years ago. They have two sons in primary school. This is Emily’s second year serving as a chaplain, and she finds it an absolute joy to be back in the College community. Please pray she will be an encouragement to the students as they continue to prepare for a lifetime of ministry, and making Jesus known far and wide.

CATE HONG

Cate serves together with her husband Elvin at Australian Asian Church. They have 4 children and seek to raise them up to follow Jesus. Cate has always had an interest in sharing Jesus with people from other cultures. She enjoys proclaiming Jesus to children and youth and encouraging women in living a life of service for Jesus.

ANNA HU

Anna is married to Tim and they have 2 school­aged children. Since College she has served in a university team as a women’s trainer, in motherhood and in various ministries with Tim. She is thankful for being able to spend time again at College sharing in the challenges and encouragements of ministry with the students.

ISOBEL LIN

Isobel is married to Peter, the bishop of the Georges River region in Sydney. They have three daughters and one son in law. Isobel is encouraged by the next generation of gospel workers, as she meets with them in chaplaincy group and counts it a privilege to play a small part in their preparations for ministry. Isobel continues to chair the EQUIP Women’s Conference. Pray that she’ll continue to share Jesus in all the opportunities God gives her.

JOCELYN

Jocelyn is married to Ed, who was on faculty from 2014–2019. She is delighted to be back in the College community as a chaplain since 2021. They have 5 kids and are part of the church at Naremburn Cammeray Anglican.

Sarah delights in the roles God has given her. At College encouraging students, at Church (Dundas Telopea) serving alongside her Senior Minister husband Alistair, being Mum to 3 great kids and working for ENC as a teacher evangelist.

Ruth, and her husband David, love serving as part of The Lakes Church which they planted on the Central Coast 20 years ago. Ruth is also a Professional Supervisor, works with FIEC as Women’s Network Coordinator and has found being involved as a chaplain at Moore a great encouragement. Ruth loves spending time with her 3 adult children, 2 daughters­in­law and grandson and going for walks exploring God’s creation.

Sarah delights in seeing people transformed by God’s word and counts it as a privilege to be spurring on the next generation of gospel workers. She served with CMS for 12 years in Mexico and now spends her time reading the Bible with women as part of Two Ways Ministries and teaches primary school Scripture. Her husband Peter works with CMS Australia and she joins him on pastoral visits. They have three adult daughters and a son­in­law.

This is my 10th year of Chaplaincy at College and it’s such a joy to work with the students as we live and learn together. Over the years I’ve been mothering and ministering in university and church contexts around the inner west. Now I spend a good part of my week working with the team at Anglican Aid, helping churches overseas support their communities.

For most of her adult life, Joan has served in church and Bible college based ministries, encouraging and equipping others to live for Christ in every sphere of life. Some of her happiest moments are when she is teaching the Bible, meeting one on one, and walking alongside the next generation as they prepare for a life of ministry. She lives with her husband Warwick in a high rise apartment in Sydney’s inner west. They are members of St James’ Croydon.

SARAH SHOLL

JULIA WILLIAMS

JOAN YOUNG

LOANE

SARAH SEABROOK

RUTH SHEATH

privilege of The serving at College

The staff team serves the College community in numerous ways, through IT and library services, property maintenance, finance, hospitality, marketing, and more. But what does the good life look like for the staff of Moore College? Enjoy these reflections from staff members as they share the most rewarding aspects of working at College.

After nearly a year as a Library Technician in the Donald Robinson Library some of my joys are: being part of a large and cohesive team, working in a beautiful space, learning a LOT of new skills and of course having access to an amazing library – my bedside table is never empty!

– Jacqui Wiya, Library Technician

What a joy it is to be surrounded by loving, wise, supportive and fun colleagues. I enjoy engaging in theological discussions e.g., around “God’s Providential Care” with them, having their gentle (but persistent) encouragement to keep a good study routine and other times it’s just about sharing the ups and downs of life (and the love of Korean Dramas, Wordle and homemade chilli paste) with each other. It is a place where iron sharpens iron and spurring one another on happens in many facets of life. I love Moore College (people)! – Ming Zeng, Operations Administrator (also a 1st year part-timer)

The greatest joy of working at Moore College is to be soaked in the Christian environment, from community chapel to fellowship in the staff dining room, from our day-to-day work supporting College to weekly staff Bible studies; every aspect of working at Moore College brings me closer to God and helps me to grow in faith and willingness to serve the Moore Community. – Michael

Wu, Assistant Accountant

Every Wednesday, I look forward to joining the staff Bible study! The Bible study is lead by patient, experienced and intelligent teachers. We are not only studying the Bible but also PTC units. It is full of biblical, informative and practical information to apply to our daily and church life. We also pray for our faculty, staff, students and their families. It is so encouraging and amazing to see how God answers our prayers! – Susanna

So, Academic Administrator

Each day I slide the rollershutter open to our fully functioning workshop of toys ready for a new day of challenges. With a mixture of wisdom and experience and youthful enthusiasm we work together and play a part in growing God’s kingdom by maintaining the College properties allowing students, faculty and staff to teach and proclaim the message of Jesus. It’s a wonderful privilege to be able to play a part. – Matt

Phillips, Maintenance Supervisor

Working at College brings with it a number of blessings. From the weekly devotion at snapshot, to being able to begin and end team meetings with prayer and being able to participate in community chapel make work life at College a real joy. The people and values of the College enable a work culture that includes humble service, encouragement to work for the glory of God, and forgiveness not always seen in the corporate world.

– Simon Smith, IT Support Officer

Moore College holds a significant place in my life. For over 20 years, Moore College has become more than a place of work. It has become a sanctuary of faith and friendship. I get to see students grow into responsible and mature adults called into ministry and mission. I’ve been able to form friendships with students from all walks of life which brings me immense joy, and I am proud to be part of their educational development at College. – Susan Silos, Dining Room Supervisor

Some staff and faculty at a recent College gathering.

The Good Life of faith

Chase R. Kuhn

THEOLOGY, PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS LECTURER

The good life is as sure as God himself. So, the pursuit of a life revelling in goodness is the life in pursuit of God. This is why Christians make so much of Jesus. Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6) and told us, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Jesus is the way to the good life, to eternal life.

This sounds nice in abstract theological statements but doesn’t often match our experience. We follow Christ but find ourselves in many precarious situations that challenge our surety and resolve. Sickness, evil, relationship tensions and breakdowns, depression, war, poverty, and many other problems make us wonder if the good life exists or can ever be known. How can there be a good life when so many bad things exist? Many of us don’t recognise in this very legitimate question that our questions about the good life are questions about God. And like so much else, we see once more how vital faith and conviction are to orient experience.

In the digital world of GPS, we seldom need a compass. But even our best mapping apps need the orientation of a compass. We need to know north from south, east from west. When we don’t have a compass, the best natural indicator is the sun rising in the east and setting in the west. No matter where you are, you can get a basic orientation from this constant fixture of nature. If you don’t have a compass and you’re lost in the woods, there is a steady reminder of which direction to head in; there is a way to discern true north.

We can quickly become disoriented in life when trials set in. We can lose track of which way we should head. We can easily be misled down false trails, following crooked paths. But the scriptures serve as our compass, directing our steps and giving us proper orientation. The Psalmist wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). During affliction, the Psalmist recognised that God’s word comforts because his promises bring life (119:50). Even amidst hardship, the Psalmist could praise God, “You are good and do good,” and petition him, “Teach me your statutes” (119:68). God’s word is where we discover God’s goodness. This is why we must learn his word, meditating upon it day and night (119:15, 48, 99, 148).

But this goes a layer deeper. The word of God always commands our faith. God is unseen; without his word, his ways would remain largely unknown. So, in reading and knowing his word, we take truths in faith, even difficult truths. We confess from faith truths to circumstance. The Psalmist declared, “I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me” (Psalm 119:75). Amid what is seen and experienced, the Psalmist confessed words of faith. The Lord is good. Even if we are afflicted, this serves the Lord’s good purposes.

Going deeper still, the affliction we know isn’t just something to be endured; it is something we benefit from. Affliction is a pathway to the good life. The Psalmist wrote, “It is good for me that I was afflicted,

Many of us don’t recognise in this very legitimate question that our questions about the good life are questions about God. And like so much else, we see once more how vital faith and conviction are to orient experience.

that I might learn your statutes” (119:71). Challenges can easily upset some, but for the faithful, they increase faith. Rather than denying the Lord’s goodness, they show forth more of it. This doesn’t make affliction easy, but it gives it context. It provides an opportunity for faith to be applied in a situation. So, the Psalmist could cry out for the Lord’s deliverance, desperately wanting salvation, while simultaneously confessing the Lord’s faithfulness to his promises. The promise serves as the basis of the petition, the Psalmist clinging fast to the word of hope in challenges. The goodness known at that moment isn’t necessarily immediate relief from the challenge but a real hope of life.

This brings us back to Jesus. Knowing the goodness of his Father, he could commit himself as a servant to whatever was willed for him, even death on a cross (Phil. 2:8). This certainly didn’t make his experience easy or keep him from praying for relief (Luke 22:41-44). Still, it gave him the confidence to submit to the good will of the Father. And it was through this trial that Jesus also learned the obedience of faith (Heb. 5:7-10), just as we must.

Given what we’ve explored, we can return to saying: The good life is as sure as God himself. There is nothing more real than God. But for now, God is known by faith. And so, in many ways, the good life, too, is known in faith. It

is a commitment to taking the Lord at his word, the word which promises life to us. We commit ourselves to follow Jesus, who came to give us life. Our pursuit of Christ is a dedication to growing up in the Word, to maturing in the truths of the gospel (Eph. 4:13).

To shift metaphors, we can consider our growth in the Word like secure fastening to an anchor. Our trust in the promises of life for followers of Jesus tethers us when the storms of life come upon us. When we have a steady anchor—confidence in the goodness of God—then in faith, we can withstand the wind and waves of other teachings in the world promising “good” things. We can endure the challenges of difficult seasons, sickness and sorrow, heartbreak, and failure because of the promise of eternal life in Christ Jesus. The good life is as sure as God himself. We know the good life and God now by faith, but we hope for the day when faith will be turned to sight.